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What we learnt this weekend

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Another weekend of top-class sport has come and gone and it is time to take stock and reflect on what we have learnt from the various contests that have taken place.

1. Roy Hodgson is still a decent manager

The 63-year-old has managed all over the world including spells at Inter Milan, FC Copenhagen and with the Switzerland national side (West Brom 5/2 to be relegated).

But, after taking Fulham to the final of the Europa League last season, he opted to make an ill-fated move to Liverpool following Rafael Benitez’s departure.

Despite having an excellent CV and plenty of experience, his time at Anfield seemed doomed from the start with the fans never really warming to him and with the legendary Kenny Dalglish seemingly waiting in the wings.

After his departure from Liverpool, West Brom wasted little time in bringing him in to replace Roberto Di Matteo and he has already tightened up the side, who are now unbeaten in six Premier League games.

The stage was set with the visit of Liverpool to the Hawthorns on Saturday and the Baggies’ 2-1 victory will have given Hodgson plenty to smile about on Saturday evening.

2. Manchester United will win the title

United’s season was encapsulated in the second 45 minutes of the match against West Ham United on Saturday.

Down 2-0 at half time and seemingly out of sorts, they roared back to win 4-2, with Wayne Rooney scoring a hat-trick to ensure that they are in pole position to claim the title this term (United 1/5 to win Premier League).

The Red Devils have never really been at their best this season but have found ways to win and remained unbeaten in the top-flight until losing 2-1 to Wolves back in early February.

It seemed incredible that it had taken so long for them to lose in the Premier League, as they were outplayed on several occasions only to secure a winner or equaliser at the death to maintain their title challenge.

They have now lost three times this season but, with teams below then faltering, another second-half comeback has given them breathing space from which they will surely go on to win the title.

3. Spurs are struggling without Gareth Bale

Bale has rightly been lauded for his exploits this season and his two performances against Inter Milan in the group stage of the Champions League will live long in the memory.

But injury has robbed Harry Redknapp of his star winger for the past few games and the north Londoners look a shadow of the side who seemed on course for another tilt at the Champions League next term.

Since beating Sunderland on February 12 they have taken just three points from four top-flight games and have scored only four goals, drawing a black in their last two Premier League outings.

Bale’s return to fitness cannot come soon enough and he may get a run-out against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, but the Wales international star is needed in the Premier League too to ensure that Spurs will be playing at least Europa League football next season.

4. Phil Mickelson is far from a spent force

The Californian won the Masters last year and looked set to challenge Tiger Woods for the coveted number one world ranking but, despite Woods’ on and off-course woes, he could not shift him from the top spot and failed to win another tournament all year.

The left-hander was diagnosed with an arthritic condition mid-way through the year and confessed that he had been playing through pain at certain tournaments.

But he looked right back to his best with victory in the Houston Open on Sunday with a final-round 65 giving him a three-shot victory in Texas.

The 40-year-old has won three Green Jackets to date but a dip in form and the fact that he is not getting any younger made many question whether or not he would ever win another major.

Sunday’s result proves that he is still more than capable and made the rest of the golf world take note with the Masters set to begin on Thursday (Mickelson 13/2 to win Masters).

5. One-day cricket is alive and kicking

India’s superb victory over Sri Lanka  in the World Cup final ended a tournament that has provided thrills and spills and reinvigorated the 50-over game.

The emergence of Twenty20 cricket threatened to kill off the one-day game and it is true that the middle overs of an ODI can be a bit predictable, with batsmen prepared to knock the ball around and wait for the final few overs to attack.

But both India and Sri Lanka proved that it can be an exciting format of the game, with the outcome of the match in doubt until the last few overs.

The 2007 World Cup was a bit of a damp squib and did little to enhance the 50-over game’s reputation with empty stands commonplace, but the Asian crowds got behind the 2011 tournament and it was a real festival of cricket, with the best two teams contesting the final.

T20 cricket may be exciting but just ask the billion or so Indian fans whether there is still a place for 50-over cricket.

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SPL weekend preview

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In the Scottish Premier League this weekend, Rangers are looking to close the gap on leaders Celtic, while Hamilton will hope to claw back some ground at the foot of the table. Here is a look ahead to the weekend’s SPL action.

Hamilton v Hearts

Hamilton now find themselves four points adrift at the foot of the table and although they have a game or two in hand on their nearest rivals, they still need a win or two to get themselves into contention of safety. That is something that has eluded them at New Douglas Park and it is hard to see them getting anything against Hearts, who until recently were genuine contenders to the Old Firm.

Having been beaten on their last two trips away from Tynecastle, both came in Glasgow, and the Jambos will be out to prove their lofty position of third is a true reflection of their ability.
Hearts look a good price at 4/5 to come away with the win but with goals and clean sheets a problem for the hosts, 21/10 on the handicap (-1) looks even better.

Hibernian v Kilmarnock

Hibs ended a five-match losing streak and a seven-match scoreless run with a 2-0 against St Mirren last time out but it is hard to see why that should make them 7/5 favourites in this fixture.

Admittedly their form at Rugby Park is a lot better than on their travels bu that is not saying a lot for a side that is 10th in the table, five points clear of the bottom but having played a game more.

Kilmarnock ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 win at Motherwell but they have been picking up points (three of those matches were drawn) and boast a far better record on their travels, having only been beaten twice on the road.

They are also the second leading scorers away from home, behind only Rangers, and at 7/4 look good value to record the win.

Rangers v Motherwell

Rangers are strong 1/5 favourites for good reason as they are the champions, have lost three times all season (although two of those defeats were at Ibrox) and need the win to close the gap on arch rivals Celtic, who play on Monday.

I can’t see the Gers losing this one but injuries and suspensions, as well as the sale of Kenny Miller do make them vulnerable.

Motherwell’s form has been erratic of late and perhaps they are not a side that would be able to take full advantage, but they can at least give the hosts a game and there looks to be goals in this one – Over 2.5 on offer at 4/6.

St Jonstone v Aberdeen

St Johnstone have only been beaten once in the last six games in the league and that was against third-placed Hearts but they have a patchy record at McDiarmid Park, winning five and losing five.

The Saints have only managed eight goals in front of their home fans and a close encounter looks on the cards when Aberdeen come to town on Saturday, as the Dons have scored only nine on their travels.

Aberdeen have done better on the road this season and look good value at 15/8, although I would take the 13/10 on the home side in what will be a tight affair.

St Mirren v Inverness CT

In stark contrast to the cup competitions, St Mirren have struggled in the league, having not won for six matches in the SPL, and are very much involved in the relegation battle.

The Buddies do have a four-point cushion over Hamilton but have played a game more and the pressure is very much on.

Given that, I would take the 8/5 on offer for Inverness CT (both teams same price) even though they have not won for 10 in the league.

During the winless run, they have drawn with both Rangers and Celtic and boast a far superior away record with just two defeats on their travels, compared to seven at Caledonian Stadium.

Dundee United v Celtic

It may be flippant to suggest that the league leaders are guaranteed a win on Sunday but I am finding it hard to disagree with the 8/13 favourites tag on Celtic.

The Hoops are the form side in the division, and Neil Lennon has got them playing good football at the moment with plenty of goals in the side – they have scored 20 in the last six.

The Terrors are enjoying an unbeaten run of late but have drawn a lot and although they are capable of giving the Bhoys a game (they drew 1-1 at Celtic Park in November), the leaders’ current form should be enough to safeguard the win.

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Five potential EPL weekend shocks

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Following the international action, the Premier League is back this weekend but any chance of a repeat of the crazy goalscoring we saw last weekend looks slim. However, there are plenty of betting opportunities, as ever, and here we take a look at some possible shocks and value bets to earn you some money.

The Manchester derby is the early game but, as is often the case with local showdowns, it’s best to steer clear of this one with pretty much anything able to happen at Old Trafford in what could be an early pointer as to who could end up winning the title come May.

Looking at the weekend coupon, though, there are plenty of other value bets to be had in another intriguing set of fixtures in the top flight.

Birmingham host Stoke at St Andrew’s looking to build on the 1-0 win at West Ham while the Potters are fresh from the late, late win over Sunderland so this one looks tight as well. However, at 2/1 the visitors – no doubt backed by a loud and large away following – seem attractively-priced to pull off a victory in the West Midlands.

With still only nine points separating bottom and eighth in the table, there are plenty of teams sweating over their top-flight status and Blackpool, despite all their early-season coupon-busting, are now very much in the relegation fight everyone expected them to be in all along. They entertain Aston Villa, who are the slight favourites at 11/10 for this one, but we fancy the Seasiders to secure a much-needed Bloomfield Rd win at 23/10.

Apart from the late capitulation at Stoke, Sunderland have been fairly solid home and away all season, so expect Spurs to find it tough going at the Stadium of Light this weekend. A 1-0 success for Steve Bruce’s men looks tasty here at 7/1.

West Brom versus West Ham at the Hawthorns has all the makings of a scrappy but full-blooded relegation six-pointer on Saturday and the Hammers, despite being bottom, are not as bad as all that. In Victor Obinna, Freddie Piquionne and now Robbie Keane, they have players to cause any defence problems so we see another away win here. Get on the Hammers, who some thought could be challenging for a European spot by now, at 13/5.

Finally, the west London derby on Monday evening at Craven Cottage sees Chelsea hoping to bounce back from the defeat against Liverpool with a win over Mark Hughes’ Fulham. But we see more misery for £50million man Fernando Torres and co with the home side worth a punt at 19/5 to achieve the three points here.

So, with a few derbies and relegation scraps to look forward to there will be no repeat of last week’s goal-fest – just plenty of shocks to keep us entertained. Or that’s how we see it anyway.

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5 things learnt this weekend

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It was an action-packed weekend of football, Six Nations rugby, one-day cricket and golf, with quite a few surprises along the way. Betting punters were given some big clues as to potential future bets and here’s what we found out over the last 72 hours…

1 – City can still win the Premier League title

Manchester City were the only team in the top four to gain a victory this weekend and Roberto Mancini’s side have renewed title hope…mainly due to their rivals form. United were beaten at Wolves and their away form will still be a big concern to Sir Alex Ferguson, while Arsenal and Chelsea look all over the place at the back.

Hat-trick hero Carlos Tevez is currently the best striker in the league and can lead City (12/1 Premier League Outright) to top spot, but he has prove his worth in next weekend’s Manchester derby.

2 – The letter ‘W’ is cursed!

All of the bottom four teams in the Premier League begin with the letter ‘W’ and three of West Ham (8/13 to be relegated), Wigan (4/7), Wolves (8/11) and West Brom (6/4) look set to go down. Wigan and Wolves gave themselves hope with massive home wins, but the inconsistent Hammers lost again at home and the managerless Baggies need some inspiration from somewhere after 13 defeats in 18 games.

If you are not convinced about this season’s curse check out the League One table, where Walsall also sit in the drop zone! Wycombe fans may disagree, as they are currently second in League Two.

3 – Six Nations is a two-horse race

England (11/10 Outright Winners) and France (13/8) showed they are the two teams to beat in the Six Nations this year, while Italy may not be propping up the rest come mid-March. Martin Johnson’s men should have beaten a confidence-shot Wales by more, while France didn’t need to be at their best to rack up four tries against Scotland.

Ireland’s last-gasp win in Rome highlighted how Declan Kidney’s side have gone backwards, with their title hopes looking slim despite a first-game victory. A much improved Scotland could have a say on where the title goes, which must be either Twickenham or the Stade de France.

4 – England can’t win the World Cup

After a brilliant Ashes success Down Under, confidence in England’s one-day squad looks shot after a 6-1 series defeat to Australia. Injuries have also plagued Andrew Strauss’ squad and with two weeks until the tournament starts, the selectors have no idea who will be in the squad as they await medical reports.

Arguably their two most important 50-over stars, Graeme Swann and Eoin Morgan, are among those rated doubtful and without them, the best England (6/1 Outright Winner) can hope for is qualification from Group B.

5 – Veteran star can win the Masters

This weekend’s golf has shown that the veterans can still pose a threat in the Majors, after a timely return to form for two stars. Thomas Bjorn was in inspired form to take the Qatar Masters title by four shots, with the Dane proving the doubters, who thought his Tour career was finished at 39 years of age, wrong.

Meanwhile, Vijay Singh (80/1 to win 2011 Masters) has enjoyed a renaissance on the US Tour with the 47-year-old carding four sub-70 rounds at the Phoenix Open. The Fijian is a former winner at Augusta and a three-time Major Champion.

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Best five bets this weekend

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The weekend is rapidly approaching with a full Premier League progrmme, plus plenty more sporting action to get stuck into. Betting opportunities are wide and varied and we will have a look at some of the best bets that could help boost the bank balance.

- Fulham to beat Aston Villa

These two sides have spent the majority of the season in the wrong half of the table but there are signs of improvement in both camps. Villa’s capture of Darren Bent has clearly given the Midlanders a shot in the arm, while Andy Johnson;s return for the Cottagers increases their goal threat. The duo are separated by just one point and both could yet be pulled into the relegation dog fight but, with sides below them struggling for consistency,  they should both escape the drop this term. Fulham have looked better than results suggest and they are now starting to reap the rewards, with 10 points from a possible 15, and are tipped to take this one by the odd goal at Villa Park.

Odds: Fulham 11/4 to win

- Liverpool to beat Chelsea

Three of the Premier League’s January signings scored on their debut, with Robbie Keane (West Ham), Luis Suarez (Liverpool) and Daniel Sturridge (Bolton) all on target on Wednesday night. But it is the fixture on Sunday that immediately catches the eye as Fernando Torres is set to make his Blues debut against the side he left just six days earlier. The Spain international has not enjoyed his best season but had started to show glimpses of his undoubted talent prior to jumping ship at Anfield. But the Reds have won three in a row and beat Chelsea earlier in the campaign and, with the confidence gained from reaching the giddy heights of seventh in the table they are tipped to take all three points in west London.

Odds: Liverpool 9/2 to beat Chelsea

- Newcastle to draw with Arsenal

The Magpies’ faithful are still reeling from the departure of local hero Andy Carroll and the fact that nobody was brought in to replace him. With Shola Ameobi now out injured, Alan Pardew’s striking options are limited to say the least. The Geordies have already banked 30 points this term but will need to find goals from somewhere to reach the ‘magic’ 40 which normally keeps a club in the top flight. With that in mind, it would be no surprise if Pardew sets out to get just a point right from the start against the bigger clubs and Arsenal certainly fall into that category. It could be a case of ‘all hands to the pump’ for the home side but they are tipped to hang on for a draw.

Odds: Draw 5/2

- Blackpool to beat Everton

The Seasiders have been the surprise team of the season to date with 28 points from their first 24 games but have found it tough going since the turn of the year and have taken just one point from their last five games. But Everton have not fared much better with five from 15 and they are still below Ian Holloway’s side in the standings. Games involving Blackpool rarely fail to excite and they continue to entertain despite slipping down the table. This one has all the hallmarks of a cracking match-up with the away side a great price to hang on for the win in a high-scoring encounter at Goodison Park.

Odds: Blackpool 6/1 to win

- England to beat Australia 7th ODI

It has been a woeful display by England in the one-dayers and they deserve to be 5-1 behind in the series but this final encounter between the two old enemies gives Andrew Strauss?s men a chance to end what had been a highly-successful tour up until he start of the 50-over contests on a high. They are not as bad as the scoreline suggests and will surely lift themselves for one final push, with Australia now also suffering with injuries, as players on both sides continue to drop like flies.

Odds: England 5/6 to beat Australia.

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Top five bets for the weekend

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With the weekend fast approaching you might be thinking about what your plans are to occupy those days off before the dreaded return to work on Monday morning. As usual, sport will more than likely form a big part of the weekend and we have picked out what we feel are the top five bets to hopefully increase your beer funds over the next two days.

1) Murray to break Grand Slam duck

Every year seems to have been Andy Murray’s year for as long as he has been on the tennis scene for him to win his first grand slam title. Normally most people roll their eyes and claim he won’t get the better of Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer. Up until now that has been the case in the majors but with those two already out of the Australian Open, maybe this is finally Murray’s time.

The Scot goes head-to-head at Melbourne Park with Novak Djokovic looking to go one step further than he did 12 months ago when he lost to Federer in the final. The Serb has been on fire recently and is rightly the favourite to claim his second Grand Slam title. However, Murray has had a fairly ease ride to Sunday’s final and should be fresh for the challenge that the world number three will pose.

At 11/10 in a two-horse race Murray is worth a punt, not only to line your pockets but for patriotic support as well.

2) West Ham to get lost in the Forest

Everyone loves an FA Cup upset and in the last round we were treated to a few as Newcastle and Sunderland fell victim to giant killers Stevenage and Notts County. Now it could be West Ham’s turn to get egg on their face when they play Championship side Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday.

Billy Davies’ side have been flying in the league of late, winning seven of their last eight matches. Last season it was their away form which cost them a chance at automatic promotion. However, they look to have got that monkey off their back and Upton Park could be in for another dark day in what has already been a dreary season.

With West Ham having played extra-time in the Carling Cup 5/2 for Forest to win seems too good to ignore.

3) Molinari brothers present double trouble

At the start of the week, the name seemingly on everyone’s lips was Molinari when it came to discussing the inaugural Volvo Golf Championship. The course was brand new and it was anyone’s guess who would come out on top in Bahrain.

However, after two days of the tournament those smart enough to tip up either Francesco or Edoardo Molinari look as though they could be proved right. Edoardo enjoyed a remarkable second round, carding 65 to leave him joint top of the leaderboard. His brother Francesco is just a shot back on ten-under-par and both look to have taken to the course well.

Edoardo and Francesco are both 8/1 to win the Volvo Championship outright and it’s worth having a look at one or both of the Italians.

4) Everton to derail Chelsea comeback

The talk on Tuesday in the world of football was centred around how Chelsea were over their slump following a 4-0 win at Bolton. However, those who watched that game will know had it not been for a couple of gifts from the Trotters, it could have been another difficult night for the Blues.

They now face another difficult away game at Goodison Park against an Everton side who have caused Chelsea problems in recent years. The Toffees have lost just one of the last six to the west London outfit and expect Carlo Ancelotti to be thrown under the spotlight again if the Blues fall at Goodison Park.

Everton have been up for the big games this season and it doesn’t get much bigger in the cup than facing the holders at home. Everton are 5/2 at home to beat Chelsea and expect them to lift the gloom on their league season by mounting another cup run.

5) England to continue ODI comeback

Just when you thought England would blow what has been nearly the perfect winter in the ODI series with Australia they pull their fingers out and keep the best-of-seven-contest alive. The 21-run win in Adelaide showed England’s fighting spirit in not giving up and expect that to continue in Brisbane on Sunday.

We already know the Gabba has a fantastic batting track and it will be a case of who has the more penetrative bowlers as to who comes out on top. All winter England have had the bowlers capable of taking wickets at crucial times and if they can get past Shane Watson expect them to take the series to 3-2.

England and Australia are both 9/10 on to win the match so if you are looking for more value maybe look at the top England batsman odds. Jonathan Trott has been exceptional with the bat in the last two games and made 135 not out in the Test match at the Gabba in November. The Warwickshire batsmen is 7/2 to topscorer for England again.

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10 things learnt this weekend

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Bet on the Premier LeagueThe wintry weather might have played havoc with the sporting fixtures but there was still plenty of entertainment. Here are 10 things we learnt from this weekend’s football.

1. That money talks on all levels in football as all the Premier League fixtures beat the big freeze apart from the so-called minnows of the top-flight, Blackpool. Bloomfield Road does not have under-soil heating and Manchester United were not given the chance to return to the top of the table – a stark reminder of the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in the game.

2. Chelsea have been playing down a crisis at the club but there is now nowhere to hide as lowly Everton took further points from the hitherto impregnable Stamford Bridge (Chelsea 7/4 to win Premier League).

3. West Brom are determined to shake off their ‘yo-yo’ club tag after a third win in four Premier League games saw the Baggies move up to eighth in the standings.

4. Arsenal may finally have the ammunition to challenge right to the end of the season this year after running out of steam in previous campaigns. They seem to be the team who could take advantage of Chelsea’s malaise and the fact that Manchester United have not really played that well all season.

5. Samir Nasri might be the reason why they do have genuine title ambitions after his superb double saw the Gunners back on top of the pile and in an excellent position going into the hectic festive period.

6. Blackburn are not as bad as a 7-1 score line at Old Trafford the previous weekend would suggest as their 3-0 success over Wolverhampton Wanderers made it four wins from six league games for Sam Allardyce’s men.

7. Time away from the game can be as important as training as Allardyce gave his squad extra rest days in midweek following the United mauling and it paid off with the comprehensive victory at Molineux (Wolves 4/7 to be relegated).

8. Tottenham are going to have to learn how to turn draws into wins away from White Hart Lane. They are currently in great form and Harry Redknapp said he expected to take all three points from the clash with Birmingham City but they have now drawn two and lost three away from north London – is that good enough for the top four?

9. Carlos Tevez needs to learn a bit of humility after his hissy fit following boss Roberto Mancini’s decision to substitute him in the 90th minute against Bolton. He had already scored the goal that won the game and a bit of respect for his boss would not have done any harm at all – and set a better example for the kids (Tevez 11/4 to be top Premier League scorer).

10. Life at Upton Park is like a creaky roller-coaster ride at an old seaside pleasure park. It is constantly up and down and you never know if the wheels might fall off completely after West Ham’s midweek thrashing of Man United was followed up by yet another Premier League reverse, this time at Sunderland.

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Ten best football bets this weekend

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There have been some big-price winners in the Premier League in recent times and, with another weekend of football upon us, it is time to look for some more value, starting at Villa Park (draw 23/10).

Arsenal will still be smarting from last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham and the midweek reverse at Braga but Villa have already held both Chelsea and Manchester United at home and will not fear Arsene Wenger’s men, despite a lack of fit strikers at the club.

Bolton have impressed at home, scoring 15 goals already, while Blackpool have hit 10 on their travels and appear determined to attack their way to Premier League safety. Four or more goals in this one (11/8) could be worth a punt.

Manchester United keep finding a way to win and, with Wayne Rooney back in the side, they should be too good for an improved Blackburn side. A win by the popular score of 2-0 looks a tasty price at 11/2, with Rovers very rarely getting a real spanking in the top flight.

Manchester City showed what they can do when it all clicks into place with last week’s 4-1 drubbing of Fulham but Saturday’s opponents, Stoke City, have shown great resilience in recent times, with three consecutive victories seeing them rise to eighth place in the table. Tony Pulis will fancy his side’s chances but the draw at 11/5 looks a real eye-catcher for this fixture.

West Ham United and Wigan are both desperately in need of points from their clash in the East End but, with so much at stake, this must be the draw banker of the weekend (9/4). The Hammers have won only once at home and the Latics only once on their travels, so stalemate should be the order of the day at Upton Park.

Sunderland’s recent form has seen boss Steve Bruce talk about getting into Europe and they will need to win games against the likes of Wolves if they are to achieve this. But the Black Cats do not win many away from the Stadium of Light and this could finally be the weekend when Wolves’ luck changes. Victory over the men from the North East is an inviting 7/5.

Chelsea would expect to travel to St James’ Park and beat Newcastle eight times out of 10 but not in their current form. Carlo Ancelotti’s men confirmed their current malaise with a lacklustre performance in midweek in the Champions League and the Magpies should be able to hold the champions to a draw on Sunday (13/5).

Liverpool have been going in the wrong direction in recent weeks after a mini-revival, despite last week’s 3-0 victory over basement boys West Ham. They can expect no favours from an in-form Tottenham side on Sunday and Tottenham to win to nil (11/5) could be worth a punt as the Reds have scored just four goals away from Anfield this term.

The Championship sees top play second with Cardiff travelling to Loftus Road to face QPR. Rangers have been draw specialists in recent times and a stalemate in west London could be worth looking at, with neither club prepared to give ground in the race for the title (draw 23/10).

Finally, Crystal Palace entertain Doncaster and could be good value to get all three points (13/8) as they have won four games at Selhurst Park this season. The Eagles’ away form has been the problem – with seven defeats already – but they are tipped to send Donny back up the M1 empty handed on Saturday evening.

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Five possible weekend shocks…

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It has been an unpredictable Premier League season to date and this weekend could throw up some more shocks with Spurs having every chance of taking the spoils from the north London derby (Tottenham 4/1 to beat Arsenal).

Arsenal have been impressive of late and have moved to within two points of Chelsea at the top of the table but they have already lost twice at the Emirates Stadium, and Spurs showed last time out that they are capable of taking sides apart when on form.

Form will count for little on Saturday lunchtime but with the man of the moment, Gareth Bale, in the ranks, then anything is possible for Harry’s men.

Birmingham are currently in the relegation zone but have lost just once at home all season while Chelsea have already lost twice on their travels.

This fixture would normally be put down as an away banker but the Blues of Stamford Bridge have hit a sticky patch with two defeats in their last three top-flight games.

With John Terry out of the running they are not the same side and Birmingham’s work ethic has never been in question. A draw would be a superb result for Alex McLeish’s men but do not rule out all three points staying in the West Midlands this weekend (Birmingham 9/2 to beat Chelsea).

It appeared as though Liverpool had turned the corner but the resurgence has come to a shuddering halt after defeat to Stoke last time out and now Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for four weeks.

They face a West Ham side who have won only once this season and have picked up just three points away from home to date.

While it is unlikely that Avram Grant’s men will pick up all three points from the trip to Anfield, a draw would be a shock result given the season the Hammers have had and we predict honours will be even on Merseyside (3/1 the draw).

Fulham are one of the teams at the wrong end of a tight Premier League table but are a much tougher nut to crack at Craven Cottage with just one defeat this term.

They host a Manchester City side who have won just one of their past five top-flight games and are seemingly at war with each other in the dressing room.

With the talent on show for both sides City should expect to win this one but Fulham boss Mark Hughes will want to get one over on the club that sacked him and will have his players pumped up for Sunday’s encounter by the Thames.

The Eastlands outfit are there for the taking and Fulham have it in them to shock their cash-rich Premier League rivals (Fulham 19/10 to beat City).

It is difficult to tip against the Old Firm in Scotland but Kilmarnock must have a great chance of upsetting Rangers at Rugby Park (Killie 7/1 to beat Rangers).

The Gers’ 3-0 home reverse to Hibs sent shockwaves through Scottish football while they were also held recently by Inverness at Ibrox.

Killie have enjoyed an up-and-down season to date but have taken seven points from a possible nine in their last three games and may cause a further shock for Walter Smith’s side this weekend.

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Ten points from the weekend

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Bet on the Premier LeagueIt has been a busy weekend of football. Here is what we have learned in the last two days.

1) Chelsea are by no means assured of the Premier League title after losing at home for the first time this season to Sunderland. Many thought they would be out of sight by Christmas, with those below failing to mount a serious challenge, but there are still at least four title contenders in mid-November (Chelsea 8/11 to win Premier League).

2) Arsenal are one of them and proved that, despite having a young side, they are capable of sustaining a challenge with their fourth away win of the campaign at Everton. Of the chasing pack, they look the most likely to upset the Chelsea bandwagon as they still have Robin van Persie to come back into the side.

3) Roberto Mancini still has not grasped the fact that attacking teams win Premier League titles and bore draws and defensive football just drive away the fans and lose highly-paid managers their jobs (Man City 2/5 to finish in top four).

4) Liverpool have turned the corner only to find a brick wall in front of them. The mini-revival is over and the bottom three is not too far away again after a 2-0 defeat at Stoke. The club may now be stable off the pitch but look anything but on the playing surface.

5) There is only so long you can say that a team’s position in the table is false and they will turn things around if they keep going. Wolves fans must be sick of hearing those words after yet another defeat – this time at home to Bolton – saw them remain second bottom, off rock bottom only on goal difference (Wolves 8/11 to be relegated).

6) Ian Holloway might fancy putting out his second XI once again after the so-called Blackpool first team failed to hit the back of the net against West Ham after the ‘reserves’ hit two against Aston Villa in midweek in their narrow 3-2 defeat. It remains to be seen whether the club will be fined and the boss will carry out his threat to quit.

7) Gareth Bale has a head as good as his left foot after he got the ball rolling with a superb header in Tottenham’s 4-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

8 ) Fabio Capello is prepared to give wayward players a chance as Andy Carroll was called into the England squad for Wednesday’s friendly with France. He has the talent to make it at international level and Capello believes the young Geordie will toe the line (Carroll 20/1 to be Premier League top scorer).

9) West Ham could be in for a long season after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with relegation-tipped Blackpool and, if the inspirational Scott Parker ever gets injured, Hammers fans might want to check out where the likes of Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Hull are when they plan next season’s away trips.

10) Playing outside the top flight and outside England is no barrier to an England call up as Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd was named in the England squad to face France. The much-travelled forward has scored 15 goals already this term as Cardiff replaced QPR at the top of the Championship on Saturday. He could form an unlikely partnership with Carroll against the 1998 World Cup winners at Wembley (England 11/10 to beat France).

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